Disneyland Gay Days?

[kendall1968]

What are the dates for Disneyland Gay Days?

[sonjaandsue]

October 5-7. This is the official website: http://www.gayday2.com

[dmwang9]

I've just started toying with the idea of going to Gay Days Anaheim this year. I happened to have that weekend as a long weekend off from school, so I wouldn't have to rush back at the end of the weekend. I went to GDA a few years ago and had a blast.

-- Dave

[Eclectic Goddess]

Gay Days Anaheim is awesome. A friend used to volunteer and suggested that we go several years ago. Since then, we've only missed one year, and we regretted it until the year after!

The sense of community is amazing, and it's all very mellow and fun. (Except the parties, which are NOT mellow, but still fun.) My friend and I "collect" red shirts. Our favorites from last year included, "Straight but Not Narrow", "KEEP CALM AND HUG A BEAR" and "Does this shirt make me look gay?"

It's continuing to grow, too. Last year we filled the steamboat to capacity three times, and there were plenty of people who didn't make it on at all!

[greenkai3000]

Ok, I looked at their website but I must know...

a) Besides wearing a red shirt, and seeing thousands of other gays at hotel held parties, what exactly happens on Gay Days ...at the parks I mean?
b) How crazy crowded does it really get at the parks during GD?
c) Does Disney, or do Cast Members do anything special during GD?

[Eclectic Goddess]

Originally Posted by greenkai3000

Ok, I looked at their website but I must know...

a) Besides wearing a red shirt, and seeing thousands of other gays at hotel held parties, what exactly happens on Gay Days ...at the parks I mean?
b) How crazy crowded does it really get at the parks during GD?
c) Does Disney, or do Cast Members do anything special during GD?

a) There are a number of in-park events, including an elaborate scavenger hunt (not for DL beginners!) and lunch time get-togethers. There are gatherings to go on particular rides all at once, such as filling the Riverboat with red shirts or the Enchanted Tiki sing-a-long, and usually a designated (but sadly not reserved) place to watch the Soundsational Parade and World of Color. And even though they are not in the park, there are a few non-ticket cocktail parties scattered throughout the weekend, mostly at the Grand Californian (where the Welcome Center is located).

b) In our experience, it's not crowded at all. Well, not any more crowded than usual. That can vary because of other Disney events. For example, the night of the Halloween party gets crowded, and with Cars Land recently opened, it's likely that the California Adventure will be significantly more crowded for the Sunday events.

c) Disney is VERY welcoming to Gay Days attendees. They don't have any special events for us, aside from hosting the Welcome Center and cocktail parties, but everyone from the Disney higher-ups to the park CMs go out of their way to make it feel special. We've had CMs spontaneously give us "behind the scenes" tours, fast passes, and, of course, free rainbow Mickey cookies. Last year we got to chatting with a CM while waiting for a parade. He went away and came back a short time later with red balloons and two "I'm Celebrating..." buttons, on which he'd written, "Three Years of Gay Days!"

As a CM once told us, "It's our weekend to celebrate, too!"

[RENThead09]

That weekend just freed up for me at work so I get to go. Yaaa. Just moved to Portland from Anaheim and I thought I was going to have to miss it.

If they are having a Halloween party on Friday and you want to go, get your tickets early. They sold out fast last year.

They have parties on Friday and Saturday night. Friday is usually at Ralph Brennan's and Saturday at House of Blues.

There was a pool party last year at the Annabelle hotel I believe. Might have been on Sunday.

People that have been to both say that this is a little more mellow than the Gay Days on the other coast.

Hope you get a chance to go.

[sonjaandsue]

We are really looking forward to this. We haven't gone before. We have't even made it to a Pride since we had our son. Can we expect fabulous costumes at the Friday Halloween party?

[greenkai3000]

It all sounds awesome. I'm still debating over whether to go to DL for Gay Days, or wait until the Holiday Season to see the decorations. I guess it all depends on which is cheaper

[pirateprince]

Gay Days Anaheim is a lot of fun! Here's an article describing the event:

* Disneyland welcomes rainbow "cast"
* http://www.creativediff.com/articles_disney_pno.htm

My partner and I are going again this year (2012)! We're staying at the Grand Californian Hotel, where we get a big discount through Gay Days. Also big discounts on park tickets and even Halloween Party tickets -- and yes I'm totally dressing up!

We're going to two special Gay Days events: Plunge Pool Party (Sunday) and Coco Peru drag comedy (Saturday night). Also going to the Mad T Party dance with other Gay Days folks (Sunday night). We also really enjoy the Sunday evening cocktail mixer at the Grand Californian Hotel, where you often get to hang out with GLBT Disney cast members.

Join us!

[daisyifyoudo]

From my understanding, it's always the first weekend in October. I, sadly, can't make it out this year, but I cannot WAIT for next year's trip. I just couldn't get any girls to go with me this year.

[QueenBeeMB]

I will be there for gay days 10/5-10/8 staying at the grand

I'm an AP holder and plan on participating in some of the offerings and events being out on my the organizers of this "unofficial" event.

They have a great website outlining the weekend. Www.gayday2.com

Enjoy !